Cooper seeking re-election to Maine House District 107

By Ed Pierce

Republican Mark Cooper of Windham has announced that he is seeking a second term representing Windham District 107 in the Maine House of Representatives.

Mark Cooper of Windham, a Republican, is seeking a
second term representing Windham District 107 in
the Maine House of Representatives.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Cooper is a lifelong Windham resident and a graduate of Windham High School. He and his wife of 42 years, Gaylene, have two sons and two grandchildren and own and operate a farm with their family producing maple syrup, greenhouse plants, beef cattle and miniature horses. Cooper is also their third-generation owner of a family construction business called L C Cooper Co Inc., which opened in 1970.

“I have been honored to represent Windham in the 132nd Maine Legislature,” Cooper said. “As the legislature’s second session is beginning to reach the end, the workload has been rapidly increasing. Serving the residents of Windham has been challenging and rewarding. I have worked hard to represent all of Windham to the best of my ability. The challenge is enormous as the interest and wishes of the community range from one extreme to the other. Most people land somewhere nearer the middle. I receive thousands of emails and try to respond to nearly all from constituents. Unfortunately, some emails get flagged as spam or phishing due to copied content.”

Cooper says that one of his goals in representing Windham in the state House of Representatives has been to work on saving Mainers’ money and reducing taxes.

“Reducing waste and following fiscal responsibility was and is a priority. Over the last eight years our state budget has grown from little over $6 billion to the current proposed budget of $12 billion,” Cooper said. “That is nearly double. That much increase is totally out of control. Maine has been and is spending hundreds of millions of dollars with absolutely no accountability or guardrails where the taxpayers’ money goes. This taxpayer money is your hard-earned money. I have yet to find anyone who wants to pay more taxes, either local, state or federal. The current House, Senate and Governor’s office are controlled by one party, who by the numbers alone can control every vote on and pass any bill other than an emergency bill. This control has allowed a ‘spend and tax mentality’ that has increased taxes and fees every year to match the out-of-control spending.”

If re-elected this November, Cooper said he will continue to vote for fiscally responsible bills with proper guardrails and accountability.

“The out-of-control Department of Health and Human Services is a serious issue with the massive amount of spending, failed audits and total unaccountability,” he said. “The number of child deaths under the control of DHHS is staggering and totally unacceptable. The current fraud being exposed with DHHS funding is growing weekly and getting Federal attention. This is our tax money not getting to the people of Maine who need it.” 

During Cooper’s first term serving in the Maine House after being elected in 2024, he proposed three bills that were subsequently passed by the legislature and then signed into law by the governor.

“I have worked closely with representatives and senators to get many other bills passed and signed into law,” he said. “Working with all parties in legislature to get responsible bills passed for the benefit of Maine is a priority.”

According to Cooper, one of the lesser-known parts of being a legislator is working with constituents to help them with issues relating to state government and occasionally federal.

“This part of the job gets no publicity and yet can be very rewarding helping solve problems for residents,” he said. “Some are just making the right connections for a quick and simple resolution. Unfortunately, some are extremely complicated and not easily resolved. Over the past year and a half, I have enjoyed meeting many constituents visiting the State House in Augusta. I would urge anyone to visit the State House during active sessions to watch and see the Maine Legislature at work.”

Cooper says he doesn’t take the opportunity to serve his community for granted.

“I appreciate all the support and help with the opportunity to serve the residents of District 107 in the 132nd Maine Legislature and welcome your support in my re-election campaign,” he said. “I am running again as a Maine Clean Election Campaign candidate.” <